Fire forces ongoing closure of Tembisa Hospital’s emergency unit
Tembisa Hospital’s emergency and accident unit is still shut down following a fire that erupted on Saturday, 19 April 2025.
A fire that broke out on Saturday, 19 April 2025, has forced the continued closure of the accident and emergency unit at Tembisa Hospital, according to The Citizen.
TEMBISA HOSPITAL EMERGENCY UNIT CLOSED
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, addressed fake news circulating about the hospital being closed.
She said only the accident and emergency unit is closed.
“The hospital is open and operating. Other wards were not affected by the fire and continue to function normally.”
“The hospital remains on divert for ambulances, but it will still accept walk-in emergency cases,” she said.
INVESTIGATIONS UNDERWAY
According to The SowetanLIVE, the Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, said the cause of the fire is unknown, as investigations are still taking place.
“The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The public will be kept updated on any developments about the situation,” said Modiba.
Meanwhile, Nkomo-Ralehoko added that police forensic investigators, the Department of Employment and Labour, the City of Ekurhuleni Fire Department, and internal departmental teams were investigating the cause of the fire.
“The firefighting equipment was compliant and maintained as recently as 2026. The Department of Infrastructure Development also confirmed maintenance records for the fire detection systems,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
She said 50 patients were relocated to different wards within Tembisa Hospital, while the rest were transferred to other facilities, including Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, Edenvale Hospital, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, and Tshwane District Hospital.
Families or friends seeking information about their loved ones are encouraged to call Tembisa Hospital on 011 923 2000.